Preliminary Charges Placed In Gang-Related Murder

Damaris Alexandra Reyes Rivas

Fairfax County police detectives have identified ten suspects – four adults and six juveniles – believed to be involved in the murder of 15-year-old Damaris Alexandra Reyes Rivas of Gaithersburg, MD. During the investigation, FCPD determined Reyes Rivas was held against her will, taken to Lake Accotink Park and assaulted before she was killed and left nearby in the 7100 block of Wimsatt Road in Springfield, VA. Detectives believe this occurred on or around Jan. 8, 2017.

Police discovered human remains near an industrial park on Feb. 11, during the search for another missing juvenile. The identity of the female victim was confirmed as Reyes Rivas after an autopsy on Feb. 13. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death as a homicide. The victim suffered trauma to the upper body. Reyes Rivas was reported missing from Montgomery County, MD, on Dec. 10, 2016.

Since detectives located the victim’s body on Feb. 11, they have worked to identify everyone involved, obtain warrants for criminal violations and bring all suspects to jail. Currently, nine suspects are in custody and have been charged with abduction and gang participation.

Detectives continue to piece together critical information with regard to Reyes Rivas’ death. As the investigation progresses, detectives will consult with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office to obtain additional charges as appropriate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fairfax County police at 703-691-2131 or Crime Solvers by visiting http://www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org, or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637).